Watch Predator Movies in Chronological Order: A Guide

Humans often pride themselves on being at the top of the food chain, but in the grand scheme of the galaxy, we're just barely holding our own in the cosmic gladiator competition. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja"—towering, trophy-seeking hunters from space who scour different planets for the ultimate challenge and have been known to abduct species for hunts on their home world.

The first two Predator films, released in 1987 and 1990, laid the groundwork for this thrilling saga. As the Xenomorphs from the Alien series are also a formidable cinematic threat to humanity, it was only natural in the 2000s to merge these universes with two Alien vs. Predator movies. Over the next decade, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each added their unique flair to the franchise.

With two new Predator movies slated for 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit the original sci-fi classics. If you're eager to watch every Predator movie in order, we've got you covered! Below, you'll find the complete timeline of the Predator movies and where to watch them online.

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• How to watch in chronological order
• How to watch by release order

How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order

8 ImagesYou can also check out our guide to the Alien movies in order to incorporate the whole timeline.

How Many Predator Movies Are There?

There are a total of seven movies in the Predator franchise—four in the mainline series, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Two new Predator movies are set to release in 2025.

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2Includes Predator, Predator 2, Predators, and The PredatorSee it at AmazonPredator Movies in (Chronological) Order

1. Prey (2022)

Prey serves as a prequel, designed to be watched after the other films (especially Predator 2). However, for a true chronological experience, start here. Set in 1719 on the Great Plains, Prey follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who finds herself in the crosshairs of a more primitive Predator while on a hunt with her brother. Determined to prove herself, Naru sets out to take down the alien stalker in this fresh and thrilling addition to the three-decade saga.

Read IGN's review of Prey

Where to Stream: Hulu

2. Predator (1987)

It all began with 1987's Predator, directed by John McTiernan of Die Hard fame, and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger at the peak of his career, alongside Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black (who would later direct his own Predator film). This action classic showcases a near-unstoppable military rescue team facing off against an invisible alien hunter in the jungles of South America. When the true nature of their adversary is revealed, Schwarzenegger's Dutch must devise a strategy to ambush and defeat a creature far advanced in both technology and tactics.

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

3. Predator 2 (1990)

Just a few years later, Predator returned with a new cast and setting. Set in a heatwave-ridden, crime-infested Los Angeles of 1997, Predator 2 follows a group of cops, including Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso, as they navigate a bloody Cartel war and confront a ruthless alien Predator stalking the city.

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

After a 14-year hiatus, Predator made a grand comeback with a crossover movie merging with the Alien saga. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson of Resident Evil fame, AVP: Alien vs. Predator was a box office success, revitalizing both franchises. Set in the present day, it reveals that Predators have been hunting on Earth for centuries, using humans to breed Xenomorphs for their "rite of passage" hunts. Stars include Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, and Ewen Bremner.

Read IGN's review of AVP: Alien vs. Predator

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

5. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)

Continuing directly from AVP, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem introduces the "Predalien," a hybrid of Predator and Xenomorph, which wreaks havoc in a small Colorado town. Although less successful than its predecessor, it concludes the crossover saga with a Predator "cleaner" dispatched to eliminate the new threat.

Read IGN's review of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem here.

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

6. Predators (2010)

Predators, directed by Robert Rodriguez, is the only film in the series not set on Earth. It takes place on a Yautja game reserve planet where humans, specifically "established killers," are abducted for sport between warring Predator tribes. The timeline is ambiguous, but it can be assumed to take place around the early 21st century, making it fit into the chronological order at number six.

Read IGN's review of Predators

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

7. The Predator (2018)

Despite the modest success of Predators, it took eight years for the next Predator film to arrive. In 2018, Shane Black directed and co-wrote The Predator, returning to the franchise's roots. The film follows a group of unstable soldiers, including Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, as they battle two rampaging Predators and thwart their DNA-splicing plans. The movie ends with a tease for more, with alternate endings featuring time-traveling versions of Alien's Ellen Ripley and Rebecca "Newt" Jorden.

Read IGN's review of The Predator

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

How to Watch the Predator Movies by Release Date

If you prefer to watch the movies in their theatrical release order, follow this list:

• Predator (1987)
• Predator 2 (1990)
• AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
• Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
• Predators (2010)
• The Predator (2018)
• Prey (2022)

The Future of the Predator Franchise

The second movie, also directed by Trachtenberg, was kept under wraps for a while. However, we can now confirm that Predator: Killer of Killers is an animated film that follows three different encounters with the ultimate killer at various points in history. It will be available directly on Hulu starting June 6.